Augustus of Prima Porta, Marble statue at Vatican Museums, Vatican City
Augustus of Prima Porta is a marble statue at the Vatican Museums in Vatican City that shows the emperor in military clothing with his right arm raised. The work in white marble reaches a height of 7 feet and 1 inch (217 centimeters) and rests on a base 4 feet and 3 inches (130 centimeters) wide and 2 feet and 9 inches (85 centimeters) deep.
The statue was discovered on April 20, 1863, during excavations at the Villa of Livia in Prima Porta north of Rome. After recovery, the work entered the papal collections and now stands in the Braccio Nuovo of the Vatican Museums.
The figure on the breastplate shows a Parthian returning Roman military standards. This scene represents a diplomatic achievement on the eastern border that held great importance for Augustus.
The statue stands in the Braccio Nuovo gallery of the Vatican Museums, where visitors can examine the finely carved details of the marble up close. Lighting in the hall is arranged so that the reliefs on the breastplate and leg guards are easy to see.
Scientific analysis shows that the statue was originally painted in bright colors. Traces of pigment remain visible in some areas today, especially on the reliefs and on the armor.
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